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What should you know about halogen bulbs.Apr 12 '06 Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line How halogen bulbs work and why you want one, or don’t want one, for the outdoors. The first thing you should know about halogen light sources is they are used in almost every Jewelry store you will go to. They increase the beauty of the jewelry to a whole new level that you will not get with any other bulb out there. The reason for is obvious, to display jewelry in the best possible light and get you to make an emotional purchase. And this is the best possible light for that purpose. Only the sun in certain circumstances can compete with a halogen bulb. A halogen bulb works much like a traditional bulb with a couple of minor differences. The small bulb has a tungsten filament and electricity passes through it just like a normal incandescent bulb. This heats up the filament that produces light and heat energy. The filament actually starts to break down at the atomic level and bonds with the gas inside the bulb. The gas is a halogen gas. Chlorine, Fluorine, Iodine, Bromine, and Astatine are examples of the halogen group but according to the sources listed below, iodine is most commonly used. The halogen group is very reactive which is why it is used to disinfect things as well as a poison (high concentrations of fluorine have been used as a rat poison, chlorine is used in pools and as a cleaner.) So the halogen gas readily bonds with the tungsten atom. What happens next is why halogen bulbs last longer than incandescent bulbs. The halogen bulb is so hot that the tungsten-halogen bond breaks apart and the tungsten atom deposits itself back on the tungsten filament. Then the halogen atom is free to repeat the process. This cycle is constantly being repeated while the bulb is on. This cycle is what gives halogen bulbs a lifespan 2-3x greater than traditional incandescent bulbs. Another difference for halogen bulbs is the size and material of the glass. It actually isn’t regular glass but quartz or another heat tolerant substance. This high heat is essential for the chemical change to occur within the bulb. There are limited outdoor applications. As a camper I have not used a halogen source due to the limited battery life. But for cars or bikes a halogen light source will make seeing in the dark a little bit easier due to the light spectrums it uses. The spectrum of produced light is better than a Maglite (incandescent bulb), a propane lantern, or any other light source I know of. I have used them inside my house and they are just a spectacular light source to use to highlight pictures or pieces of art. Just keep in mind that they cost more than a traditional light source and require a larger power source then more traditional light sources. Many of these Halogen light sources for bicycles have heavy battery packs. Heavy as in I wouldn’t want to backpack with them heavy. But since you’re riding a bike the weight is negligible (but I’m sure a purist will argue with me.) Now what is my final opinion in regards to what light source you should use in the outdoors. That depends on your situation. If cost is your primary issue then I recommend a Maglite. They are durable, strong, and a good bang for your buck. Costco usually has a 2 flashlight package for a good price. If weight is an issue I recommend getting an LED flashlight/headlamp or a single cell mini Maglite. If battery life is your primary issue then I recommend getting an LED flashlight/headlamp. If being able to see well is important than I recommend getting a halogen light or a 5-cell Maglite. The 6-cell Maglite will be cheaper but the halogen light will give off a better light. I actually only recommend halogen bulbs if sight is your primary issue. As I said before, halogen lights bring out a lot more colors and makes the subject that much more brilliant. If you want to showcase jewelry or something like that then get a case with halogen bulbs. Halogen bulbs are also great spotlights for home track lighting. But for most outdoor applications, especially backpacking, I just can’t recommend halogen lights. References http://home.howstuffworks.com/question151.htm http://www.goodmart.com/facts/light_bulbs/halogen_diagram.aspx http://www.goodmart.com/facts/light_bulbs/halogen_cycle.aspx http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infelectrical/howlightbulbswork.shtm http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-technical-articles/halogen/ Some of my other outdoor guides. Guide on family tents. My hydration pack guide. How to choose an internal frame backpack. Advantages and disadvantages of using propane. Guide on Oakley sunglasses. My guide on self-inflating mattresses.  |
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